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Thursday, January 12, 2012

Cat & Mouse: First Steps

I am lucky enough to work in a job that allows me every Friday off. It's Mouse's and my day. We may do the laundry or straighten the house--or not. We dance to music from the radio, her bopping along and me, shuffling my feet and swaying. We play with each other. She plays on her own. She most likes my undivided attention, which I am happy to give her. She likes to crawl on me and play with my face. She has the most beautiful smile . . . We read books together and, occasionally, weather and health permitting, go out for walks or to play in the backyard.

One of Mouse's favorite activities, however, is grabbing hold of my index finger or thumb and pulling me along as she takes a tour of the house. We stop at various locations that catch her eye: a cabinet, her elephant blow pop toy, a bookshelf, a stray sock, a cat . . . She holds onto my finger despite sitting down to inspect something, not wanting me to go far. Then she'll get back up and off we go to the next stop on the tour. She has such a confident and determined look on her face in moments like those--sure of where she is going, trusting that I will be right by her side. Sometimes our tours take all morning or afternoon. Sometimes just a few brief moments. I love this time together.

Once I was in the middle of washing dishes and she came over and pulled herself up holding my leg. She wanted my hand. I began to ask her to let me finish and then decided against it. The dishes could wait. With my still wet hand, I offered her my finger and off we went, exploring.

In early December, Mouse took her first three steps all on her own. She was at daycare at the time. My husband and I didn't see it, therefore, it doesn't count. About a week later, she took three steps for me. It was a momentous occasion. Mouse was so proud of herself. She kept trying again and again, often only to fall on her bottom. She received two push type toys for Christmas and had a blast pushing them around the house, strengthening her leg muscles.

On New Year's Day, as I was sitting on the floor in front of the couch, Mouse cruised around the corner of the couch, out of my sight. The next thing I know, Mouse comes around the corner and walks towards me, without touching the couch. The grin on her face was priceless. She would do that several times throughout the day. There was much praise, tons of hugs and lots of smiles that day. Even a tear or two. My baby was walking!

The next day she felt braver and ventured out into the room, away from the couch and me. In all my excitement, I felt a little spark of sadness. My little girl is growing up--and so fast! It's hard not to feel proud, especially seeing how happy she is at having achieved a goal she had longed to reach.

I wondered if her finger holding tours would end now that she can walk on her own. I am sure they will someday. But the same evening she proved she could walk across the room on her own, she took hold of my husband's finger and took him on a little walking tour of the house. So, for now, at least, we can rest assured that she still wants us by her side.

Ohh-h! My baby is on the verge of crawling; I can't imagine when she begins to walk. I think the few times I shed tears over my oldest were at her first steps, and when I dropped her off for her first kindergarten class (both times she was delighted)! It's so adorable that she wants to lead you around the house.

Oh how precious. I adore the title of your post, and the post itself brought back such wonderful memories. My youngest just started driving, and at the moment she is required by law to "hold my finger," but someday she will once again venture off on her own. It happens again and again throughout their lives, and each time it's bittersweet. Enjoy every precious moment!

This was such a beautiful post and really sheds a lot of light on the relationship you have with your daughter. These special times with her, and her eagerness to show you just how much she can do is so heartwarming and wonderful. Babies are such a blessing, though they do grow up fast!

I can't believe how fast she is growing! Enjoy those moments while you can. When I was little there was a picture in my bedroom:

'Cleaning and scrubbing can wait until tomorrow for babies grow up. So go away cobwebs and dust go to sleep. I am rocking my baby and babies don't keep.'

um, that's not exactly right, but I still think about that poem every so often. It works for most things... I don't think the cobwebs go away. What they really do it going to bug me all day. I can see it now. :)

Such a sweet post. I remember my own walking tours. I love what you did with the dishes too. Sometimes, you just have to stop everything and that's okay.

One thing that I really enjoy about these photos of Mouse is that she always seems so inquisitive. It's like, I can hear what she is thinking and all I can say is this... buy yourself some good runnning shoes cause that lil pip is going to keep you on your toes.

You don't know whether to laugh or cry, do you? It is so amazing that this is the first big move to independence. I think the most bittersweet moment for me was with my youngest, and when I KNEW I was giving him his last bottle. I made it last and last.

What a beautiful post Wendy. These are the kind of memories and moments that are so precious to have. I love that you left the dishes and went with Mouse instead. As she grows up she'll remember that you always have time for her and that is a very precious gift to have with your child. Congrats to Mouse on her first steps- she's a sweetheart!

Oh Wendy--this post brought tears to my eyes! I LOVE that you guys go on the walking tours and her desire to constantly be leading you around. Sometimes I find myself getting frustrated that everything now takes 10 times (at least) longer with Elle around--it took me over a week to take down my Christmas ornaments, but then I remember that time is fleeting. Need to live in the here and now.

Congrats to sweet little Mouse on her first steps. Nothing will ever be the same! ;)

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At the age of five, Literary Feline (aka Wendy) was diagnosed as a fabulavore. Due to the low story content of movies and television, she has required a steady supply of books to provide her sustenance. She currently resides in California with her loving husband, adorable daughter, and one affectionate and sassy cat. Literary Feline has broadened her nutritional sources by reviewing books. Please note: Literary Feline is not a bibliovore. She's not eating the books for goodness' sake.